Zion Williamson on late 360 dunk vs. Suns: 'That was out of character for me' | NBA on ESPN

Zion Williamson addresses reporters following a postgame scuffle after flushing down a monster windmill dunk with a 9-point lead with seconds remaining between the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans.
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[@wolverineheat5606]

Don’t apologize now let them be in their feelings

[@StopIEatGlass]

I like that he said “they sent my teammates home,last year” ma boii locked in for playoffs

[@sickotapes]

he never apologized

[@gugy68]

The Suns deserve it. Every single team CP3 was a leader, the players are a bunch of cocky underachievers. Go for it Zion! Dunk on them. lol

[@AQUAPHREESH193]

@@gugy68 Yeah i'm glad Zion hit them with that SLAMMA JAMMA

[@Bob.grinds.247]

Agreed, Suns team a bunch of cry babies

[@riichyU]

He’s so humble and well raised

[@Red2Nicee]

F being humble. Hope Zion does it again once the Pels beat them on Sunday

[@joseph5819]

That 360 was not humble but it was the suns though so its ok

[@rollspikegaming7459]

unlike the self proclaim Queen James

[@deelewis8061]

This is a hidden racist comment.

[@SAMMIEJONESJUNIOR]

That is what people said about Dwight Howard when he came into the NBA

[@jamesonedwardsii4943]

The thing I really like about Zion is unlike most young players giving the typical media trained answers with a lot of “uhms” inbetween, Zion gives really genuine interviews that most players are comfortable saying what they feel until they’re older.

[@michelangelooliver2590]

Facts

[@AlexandreG]

He uses "but" a lot tho

[@Pro_Vaxxer]

@@AlexandreG who doesn't love but's

[@dxflash5]

@@AlexandreG Many people uses certain words a lot. Who gives a ****. Lol

[@deflategate1297]

@@dxflash5 trick I learned is to say it in your head then continue the sentence

[@ThrillerALi]

“The Suns sent my team home last season, and I took that personally.” - Zion Williamson ( 360 revenge dunk ) 😂😩💀

[@sideactivist]

the fact that this is the most controversial thing he’s done says something

[@kevincaldwell7011]

Exactly.. He just wants to hoop!!

[@YK-fj5bj]

Well said!

[@detroitdawg81]

Can't be controversial if u only played 5 games in 5 years

[@tears2040]

@@detroitdawg81 What have you done with your life, only a coward speaks like this……….

[@deflategate1297]

@@detroitdawg81 better than most players still

[@WillsonMock]

Humble superstar! Love his game and praying for his continued good health!

[@AlexeyArtemenko]

amen !

[@falcon1378]

Good mentality to have. Just because it isn't 2021 doesn't mean the suns don't have to pay for what they did last year. It's a statement dunk, Zion is proving that he is the X factor for this team, especially against a team that beat them last year in the playoffs.

[@Alexanderthepraised9]

I agree bro. This team could make the finals. Zion keeps getting better.

[@knight9k]

Not to mention a undermanned Pelicans team that took the Sun's to six games...

[@Earl_E_Burd]

That dunk would've been the sickest one in last year's dunk contest. Worth it! Suns had it comin

[@JeetMamba]

You can tell he hates those front running phoenix suns.

[@letsgobrandon1906]

Frl

[@maisonmargielademon2915]

We all hate them😂

[@GameChanger-xi4iy]

every nba fan hates the suns.

[@ajf95]

Suns are trash. I believed in them last year and got slaughtered by Luka

[@punkfunk212]

That dunk was fire. As a bball fan you should appreciate the beauty of it. CP3 went for a lay up with 7seconds left, you're a hypocrite if you're sayings thats cool but what Zion did wasn't

[@basket8937]

Exactly

[@acamps24_]

Zion is the perfect athlete.. truly witnessing something incredible people

[@howtorawk]

Lebron is better

[@R3AL-SAiyanZ]

@@howtorawk 😂😂it’s always 1 no matter where you go

[@natecruz7114]

Perfect athlete? That’s a bit of a ridiculous statement honestly.

[@iiFlypRo]

@@howtorawk we are witnessing something very special

[@howtorawk]

@@iiFlypRo I’m not denying that but Zion is far from being an nba great

[@granpaking7570]

That was a real respectful humbling statement from him nothing was wrong with that we like seeing you doing these 360 dunks in dominating the game my brother great game

[@b.j.freeman1920]

Zion is living his best life lol. You can tell he was raised right also.

[@michelangelooliver2590]

I love Zion so much man

[@skatedurr]

FACTS

[@pelicansnola4367]

Zion the City New Orleans We Like DAT and don't apologize for nothing thank you big Z that dunk was awesome 💪🏀⚜️ Go Pels ✅

[@dmason7898]

Man he did it for the fans! i still don’t understand why a superstar can’t perform for the home crowd.

[@midwestent.7010]

Never apologize the phoenix front runners will always be in their feelings

[@ChrisStaplesDunker]

You couldn’t dislike Zion if you tried

[@Keith_Courage]

This kid is Lawrence Taylor with a basketball true beast

[@richardunciano179]

Kobe mentality and Jordan mindset that's what you call Zion williamson

[@Kingkam_77]

Shaqs build squished into a 6’7 frame and skill set of Giannis and Barkley.

[@juannegron8053]

I JUST LOVE AT THE END OF EACH INTERVIEW THAT ZION TELLS THE MEDIA: "HAVE A GREAT NIGHT".......did anybody else notice that?,,,,,,HOW REFRESHING!!!

[@bigmutant69]

As a fan, I hate all that unwritten rule stuff. Ball out big man! We love to see it!

[@mn3582]

Honest answer by Zion. Respect

[@cassandrawilson8610]

Fans are paying their hard earned money to go to the games… let the players play! That dunk was worth it to the kid that got to see it live! Forget the Suns ego🤷🏾‍♀️…do it for the fans❤

[@fu2lstop]

You didn't have to apologize for a dunk! That's what today's NBA is missing don't let these media punks take the excitement out the game,that dunk was electrifying and that's what fans want and pay to see

[@TruthInFacts]

Honest answer and respectable answer he gaining my respect back

[@aramisjones4804]

Gaining your respect back? Lol as if that means anything. I mean if you think your respect is expensive enough to almost give, maybe you should just keep it for yourself lol. He’s a 22 yr old man who’s done nothing wrong. He’s well mannered and you can tell even before he came into the league, he was raised right. If he had lost your respect because of injuries, not being able to play and was in a depressed state . Then who care’s. Man’s did nothing wrong and has always had a good head on his shoulder’s. Shoot, your respect aint valid enough to where he should want it or care. Go ahead Zion. Keep doing your thing young brotha. Fan’s all around the league appreciate and and support you, including your peers that respect your humbleness and the game you play on the court. And if we’re talking truth in fact’s then I’m sure the ones who matter to him, have that respect for him without the disrespect. 😂😂😂 this dude really said “he gaining my respect back” as if his respect comes with 200 million dollars and generational wealth. These entitled mfs be straight cornball’s.

[@blablablaa14]

I hope he becomes the "New Orleans Pelicans" guy. Like the dude that carries them to 10-15 years of playoffs and general success and becomes synonymous with the organization. He's that great of a player and the Pels deserve a guy who is proud to play there long term, ups and downs

[@janblade4747]

History taught us you you need 3 good guys. ^^

[@blablablaa14]

@@janblade4747 They can have that, he can be the poster boy though

[@basket8937]

Ingram hello?

[@kevinhinds6850]

So happy to see this moment as an NBA fan. This dude plays joyfully.

[@jerichodelicana1620]

Hopefully he stays healthy through out his career . him and Ja needs to be in a dunk contest that would be insane

[@zenodee]

the way Zion is speaking and carrying the aftermath, you can tell he is becoming a grown man. Been a manchild but his response here shows you that he is about the competition! competitive spirit but still humbled. gotta love the growth from him as a man and as a super star player

[@vrylox]

We saw those hs highlights u like that my boy. This that devious demon Zion we need. Bring that energy to the nba we need that

[@o.g.teerock1696]

Let that man live and he don't have to apologize for living in the moment! Great way to end a game and give your team a momentum boost

[@Coolness18304]

You can tell those new knees got him feeling good LOL

[@jamesonedwardsii4943]

Did I miss something? Does he have enhanced cybernetics in his knees now?

[@geronimo9193]

@@jamesonedwardsii4943 he was injured last year and he is coming out his shell

[@letsgobrandon1906]

@@jamesonedwardsii4943yeah

[@gdvlogz6089]

His knee wasn't injured it was his foot problem because of his weight

[@itz_akuma]

@@gdvlogz6089 you sound just like the media talking about weight smdh . His shoe was defective and fell apart while he was playing at Duke. Just be quiet if you don't know what you are talking about.

[@javiernunezg]

He’s making it fun for the fans… what’s the problem with that? Even baseball is over this sh*t.

[@bigruck2585]

Agree!

[@davidheumann4243]

Idk. Immediately before that dunk, I watched CP3 drive hard for a bucket when he could've dribbled it out. 🤷‍♂️

[@kevm243]

Exactly!!

[@howtorawk]

@@kevm243 no, it would’ve been a shot clock violation.

[@ThrillerALi]

@@howtorawk that doesn’t matter. NBA teams have taken the shot clock violation before, at the end of games. The other team justs inbounds the ball after. CP3 wanted to score.

[@ADRPLREVIEW]

I feel like even as nice as he is, if he flips that switch he could be a savage. I just see it in his eyes

[@hateyouwithapassion1]

he's a well-raised savage --- but when he gets a little older, I think he'll let it out more. He's still a kid

[@exthereon6916]

Future of the NBA!

[@sleeph.5664]

I like those answers he gave.

[@bookman2116]

Glad Zion is back!!!! And healthy

[@Biotoze]

Ayo ain’t nothing wrong showing up for your boys. Sometimes you gotta let the people know. Keep going young man! Keep being yourself. Keep showing your emotions. The real ones appreciate it.

[@FaithfulFumoFan23]

He's a HUMBLE BEAST 😤

[@allthingshavemeaning4843]

Zion's explanation of the 360: "I took it personally"

[@lawrencethom3105]

Love this guy Such a cool dude and a great player

[@stephlloyd4814]

a tamed beast every interview

[@rusone2516]

That dunk was for the crowd, he was in the moment... I don't like the disrespect, but this how you build a real rivalry. And I love it!

[@anguscooper]

I hope he stayshealthy and make it good in the NBA. he is a generational talent, a combination of SHAQ AND CHUCK moulded into ONE !!!! That dunk was more for the fans to enjoy than anyone else, so the Suns should just take it for what it is !!!!

[@jrdabs645]

Phoenix soft af

[@krishnawainright15]

Yeah, They have Alot of Crybabies on their Team. Starting with Chris Paul.

[@Sal_A]

Keep doing it. Makes me wanna watch the game

[@tezhanboyd9735]

Man cmon Zi yo fans ain’t have a problem with that dunk at all! But man even to say “I got carried away” when yo fans ain’t feel that way at all, I like yo character 💯

[@letsgobrandon1906]

Never compare Ja to him.

[@KO-iz4dc]

Bru the only thing you did wrong was not throwing that thang off the backboard with the 360 windmill. I agree because your character says "no mercy." Don't let up on them Z ✊

[@derekstark8447]

Please stay healthy. I pray good health to you sir. If this guy stays healthy he is an all time great.

[@keano1416]

The Suns should have shown some fight before the clock ran out. That's all you were doing MVP 🙌

[@OTRecords302]

Tell ‘em stop it… keep balling Zion ! The best is yet to come.

[@thamith_k]

Zion > Ja

[@maniactracks13]

Bro I hope you do it again!!!. that's your reward for good defense.

[@dirtybirdxx]

I gained tooo much respect 4 zion after that dunk!!!

[@Brett33]

It's got to be great for him to be able to be back out on the court after the injuries.

[@FactsNReason]

Love this guy - go Zion!!

[@diontehart9254]

“YOU CAN UNDERSTAND IT OR NOT” 😤😤😤

[@brianwimberly7937]

Way to go Zion. I like this guy. Own the league big guy. Next time he'll do it during the game. Break your fingers if you want to stop him.

[@user-hx7dt6vb8f]

He needed to make a statement about him being able to play at the same time helping the Pelicans to get that number 1 spot in the West. I'm hoping he be healthy come by playoffs.

[@aramisjones4804]

But was it respectable when booker and ayton were standing over reeves when booker fouled him? Just for ayton to get pushed down by pat bev. I mean if respect is expected, it’s gotta be given too. Sun’s have become one of the more (disrespectful)team’s ever since cp3 came to the franchise and honestly, it’s valid why they’re so disrespected nowadays. At this point, it’s self inflicted. Chris Paul wanted to continue playing when he missed a open layup, so we continued with Zions statement dunk. We didn’t play defense when Paul went for the layup and neither did they when Zion dunked. No apologies, just validity. People can be entitled and mad, go watch golf.

[@somethingelse9805]

call it what it was. it was a 360 windmill. and he should be celebrated by everyone.

[@MBJ000]

Best player in the 2019 draft

[@sithaphong]

Zion giving his best Bernie Mac look tonight

[@warriorforgod6044]

Absolutely love it GO PELS

[@black_tech_owner]

The Suns woke the MAN up inside of Zion. Lil bro is only 22 and he has a lot of childish energy (which is a great thing that keeps men young as we age). Add that to how humble and soft spoken he is, and that’s a formula for someone that can benefit from being woken up. If anyone watches football, they say Troy Polamalu used to have a similar switch that would flip at times, and he would go from soft spoken to possessed. Not sure when we will get to see that Zion again, but I can’t wait!

[@black_tech_owner]

Ps - look at his eyes! He still coming down from being possessed by the DAWG in him!

[@roydondecastro]

the suns just got a new Daddy!

[@remingtonporter1734]

How many Daddies they got????? Mavericks... Celtics... Pelicans?

[@robincctv2647]

What if all NBA post-game interviews sounds like this? 🤔

[@thurmeez]

That man was home. If he was in Phoenix I could see getting a little upset. Take your loss and go home.

[@Matthew-oq1hx]

W Zion keep balling bruh

[@groundawakers2730]

Zion is Shaq & Vince Carter in one

[@drilyt]

NBA: "ZION, The Superstar has arrived!"

[@neo8802]

This makes me want to watch the rivalry...I like Z's style...Jordan and Kobe would do it too...Dagger!!! ❤️😉

[@felixreyes9512]

Zion on a revenge season! All for it!

[@CareFreeCommuting]

1:48 likable dude 😂

[@Drako7077]

What was better? The 360 windmill or that double clutch a few nights ago??

[@cryptaku3404]

That double clutch was disgusting. I thought there was no way he dunks that from there.

[@Drako7077]

@@cryptaku3404 same man lol

[@ghostface_7]

tHAT WAS HARD THO

[@ellouisemiller4534]

Zion is a very humble young man, with skills and talent! He threw a 360 Dump, not a fist punch and no shoving. He gave an apology for a special skill! It was only a basketball dump, no other kind!

[@tswagg504]

In this soft NBA of today with too many 3 pointers, it was refreshing to see somebody throw it down the old school 90s way

[@markmansel9899]

They talked bad about him when he was out of shape. DUNK IT WITH NO REGRETS!

[@vocovlogz1934]

Can't wait for your match with the "Greek Freak". 💪🔥

[@jimgolembeski8808]

Dunk was def Sick! Glad it was against the Suns 😀

[@andrewgiegerich8211]

Every one act’s tough when they are winning

[@nathankellie1916]

F that, frontflip dunk next time Z, smash em !

[@donthatec]

You good in my book Zion, screw them haters!

[@syidg5077]

bruh it would be disrespectful if he did that on suns court lol.. he did it at home court, I take it as he did it for the fans...something the nba is missing today ..

[@da11king]

Pelicans leading in the west standings ??? !!! 😳🏀

[@sideactivist]

W zion

[@danielwhite6088]

He is the new face of the league

[@pjetrs]

His facial expressions remind me so much of young Shaq somehow

[@8mathdaddy]

Pelicans are quietly in the number 1 seed even without Ingram in the last few games. Trading for McCollum was genius.

[@aNdibgoinham89]

I can’t see em coming down my eyes so I gotta make this dunk cry 😂

[@oniitv11]

My boi wearing 1 earing like MJ

[@threedigletts]

This is his league now

[@howtorawk]

No lmao, relax

[@threedigletts]

@@howtorawk it’s 100% his league

[@howtorawk]

@@threedigletts not even LOL. Lebron, KD, Curry all better

[@howtorawk]

@@threedigletts also giannis

[@threedigletts]

@@howtorawk negative

[@hotboiii_ced215]

Suns were talking trash last year to the play in Pelicans so I know it felt good for them to get their get back this year! Don’t apologize!

[@esto317]

It started with that kid Hayes but hey we all believe what we to.

[@darkketchup8883]

i just pray that zion would be healthy for many years.. and no injuries please.. the guy is a bulldozer

[@richardcoreno]

Unbridled enthusiasm -- which is often missing during the NBA regular season.

[@spliffsforbreakfast]

Baby Bron

[@august6281]

being disrespectful(rubbing salt to the wound) is different from "putting a show for the home crowd" im a Suns fan but dont mind what you did there. It's not disrespectful. Suns should just toughen up and win next time instead of complaining about the unwritten rule. Especially for a team that talks a lot, chirp a lot, and dance a lot.